Are your workouts feeling flat? We've all been there and when mixing up your workouts doesn't inspire, it's often hard to know what to do next.
Are you simply going through the motions? Or is the pre-workout that made you feel like you could move mountains, now failing to push you to previously expected levels? Are all the standardised counters against workout plateaus simply not working?
Then try taking protein powder before you train!
I know what you're thinking, before you train? Why would I do that when my post-workout shake already resupplies my body with the nutrients I need? Now I'm not suggesting you stop taking post-workout whey protein - as its regenerating properties are undisputed. I am, however, suggesting you try taking an additional whey protein shake 1-2 hours prior to training to further reap the rewards of the hard work you're already putting in. Why only nutritionally utilise the post-training period, when you can efficiently exploit both periods for maximum reward?
Why before?
Taking a shake before your workout provides your body with many plateau-fighting benefits that will help you reignite your training. Firstly, the branced chain amino acids or BCAA's provided in whey protein will help fuel your muscles and prevent unnecessary potential muscle breakdown, whilst simultaneously increasing protein synthesis. Simply put, it will help your muscles last throughout the workout and enable the protein consumed pre and post workout to synthesise more productively.
Secondly, the protein powder will help boost intra-workout anabolism and prevent post workout catabolism, which is when your body starts to breakdown muscle and utilise amino's for energy. Subsequently, your body will be able to return to an anabolic-muscle growing state faster. Returning to this anabolic state more efficiently, will significantly help with recovery whilst also helping ward off that draining, deflated feeling.
Thirdly, the whey protein will fuel your body, enabling you to feel full and energized throughout your workout - further empowering you to work harder and burn more fats. This new found energy may be exactly what you need to rejuvenate your exercise.
Finally, as a result of consuming a whey protein shake before training, you'll be less likely to experience low blood sugar levels and any subsequent flat feeling. Why struggle through your training, when this simple change could help defeat that demoralising, clouded feeling?
Which protein is best?
Now you know the basic benefits of a pre-workout protein shake, you may be wondering what protein powder is best. For all your protein supplement needs, whey protein is the way to go. It's one of the most efficient forms of protein due to its ability to supply your body with high concentrations of protein and amino acids without the accompanying fat and carb levels. Similarly, its lack of high fat levels means it's less likely to leave you feeling weighed down during your workouts (as some other forms of protein can). And finally, as whey protein sustains a higher protein to carb/fat ratio to many other proteins forms, it will help you feel satisfied for longer, as protein is a more satiating nutrient than carbohydrates or fats.
In terms of which whey protein to take - look no further than True Protein's whey protein range. True Protein’s grass-fed whey provides one of the most healthily sourced proteins available. Notably, True Protein's whey protein range is sourced from strictly regulated grass-fed New Zealand livestock, providing some of the purest whey protein worldwide. For more information on the perks of grass-fed whey protein, see: https://www.trueprotein.com.au/new-zealand-grass-fed-whey-protein-is-better-for-you
Go try it!
Now before your next workout, smash down a True Protein shake a little over an hour before you train and find out if this is the solution you’ve been waiting for!
On a side note, it's important to remember that everyone's body reacts differently to different nutrition plans and workout regimes. To seek a nutritional plan tailored to your needs see an Accredited Sports Dietitian.